Issue / Question:
We have Ford Van Windstar, 2002 and is showing the following problem:

Overdrive light is blinking
Brake light is on all the time
It is not showing speeding and the mileage is in blank.

Can you help us with this? Tell what’s happening? Please.

Thanks.

Answer:
All these problems have one thing in common! The vehicle speed sensor! We would start by scanning your computer and see if it is receiving a signal for the sensor. If not, we would check the sensor it self. If it has no output signal we would replace it and clear all the trouble codes then test drive to double check and make sure the problem is resolved.

Issue / Question:
Hi Larry, When I turn the wheel to the right I get a grunting sound, even if the wheel is all the way left .I don’t get any noise when I turn left. I have cleaned the screen in the power steering reservoir and have lubricated all the rubber front end bushings to no avail.
Any ideas?

Answer:
Its most likely a dry ball joint, sometimes we can grease these with a grease needle.

For professional auto repair & services in Orlando you can call our shop today at 407-629-2661.

When I turn the wheel to the right I get a grunting sound. Even if the wheel is all the way left, I don’t get any noise when I turn left. I have cleaned the screen in the power steering reservoir and have lubricated all the rubber front end bushings to no avail.

Answer:

It’s most likely a dry ball joint. Sometimes, we can grease these with a grease needle.

For professional auto repair & services in Orlando you can call our shop today at 407-629-2661.

My car will not shift passed second gear. The overdrive light flashes on the dashboard. Could this be a sensor problem instead of a transmission problem?

Answer:

We have seen just about everything cause this condition on AX4S Transmissions including several electrical problems ranging from speed and wheel sensor problems to manual lever position sensors failing. A defective 2-3 solenoid could also cause this problem. Mechanically, the list is huge. Valve body problems are very common with this tranny: sticking valves, damaged or worn check balls, and blown valve body gaskets. A no 3rd condition could also be caused by a bad intermediate servo not engaging the band. This problem is so common a company called Sonnax even makes a sleeve repair kit for it. Best thing to do is have it scanned and find out what codes are stored in the computer system. If it’s a code for a solenoid or sensor, start there. If it’s a code for a speed sensor, there may be a fluid starvation issue like a loose supply tube in the sump pan. The bottom line is to start with the scan and address the code. If it’s electrical, start there. If it’s a speed sensor code, I would clear the code and overfill the transmission with fluid and test drive it and see if I have 3rd gear without the flashing OD light. If so, it may just be a loose supply tube in the sump pan. Let us know what you come up with or if you would like for us to take a look at it.

I know you’re a ways off, but if it isn’t checked as I described I’m afraid someone will sell you a new tranny without taking the time to diagnose it thoroughly. If it is a worst case scenario, there’s always a possibility of installing a good used transmission to save you some money. Call us if you need us, or if you need more info.

For professional auto repair & services in Orlando you can call our shop today at 407-629-2661.